BIPOC Therapy in NYC | Madison Park Psychological Services

BIPOC Therapy in NYC

Mental health challenges don’t discriminate.

But the systems and infrastructures around treatment often do.

Being Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC) comes with underlying difficulties that make healing an exhausting and sometimes grueling process.  Racism, language differences, lack of information, the stigma around mental illness in BIPOC communities, and other factors contribute to this problem. 

And while as a BIPOC person, you are incredibly resilient, research shows that you are less likely to seek out, have access to, and receive the mental health support you need.

You deserve better. 

You deserve exceptional and accessible care.

Madison Park Psychological Services acknowledges we have a long road ahead.  And we continue to do our part by building a multiracial team who provides culturally and historically fluent treatment.

We offer BIPOC therapy to teens, adults, and older adults living in NYC and its surrounding areas.

If you are looking for authentic and informed support, we are here for you.

Call 212-506-5935 or contact us to book a consultation or read on to learn more about BIPOC therapy.

 What is BIPOC Therapy?

BIPOC therapy is counseling focused on supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color as they navigate their behavioral, emotional, and mental health challenges. 

The goal of BIPOC therapy is to provide quality care that considers and honors your lived experiences and distinctive hardship as BIPOC.

A counselor offering BIPOC therapy has evidence-based training and deep knowledge of your BIPOC background in all intersections—including your culture, socio-economic history, spiritual values, identity, sexual orientation, and beyond.

How Does BIPOC Therapy Work?

Like standard talk therapy, BIPOC therapy consists of meeting with a mental health professional to examine your issues, explore patterns, and discover healthier ways to cope. 

The key differentiator is your counselor understands how being BIPOC might have shaped your journey, affecting your inner and outer world. 

This cultural competency removes barriers from the therapy process.  You won’t have to spend time and emotional energy offering cultural context or enlightening your counselor on the nuances of race.  You won’t have to defend or underplay yourself.  You can simply be and let your therapist take care of you.

While our BIPOC therapists may not be where you are from or look exactly like you, they are equipped to provide a trusting, safe, and affirming environment.  We will adapt treatment to your symptoms and needs, recognizing the unique adversity you may face on top of everyday stressors.

What Are the Benefits of BIPOC Therapy?

• Feeling seen, respected, and validated as a BIPOC individual
• Being free and empowered to show up as your authentic self—no performance, edits, or walls needed
• Partnering with a specialist who prioritizes being informed and in tune with BIPOC history and challenges
• Relying on quality and responsive care without judgment or bigotry
• Knowing you are entering a space where you are not taking care of anyone else but yourself

How Can BIPOC Therapy Help?

BIPOC therapy can support you in managing common mental health challenges, such as:

While Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are not a homogeneous group, BIPOC therapy can help you address difficulties experienced by BIPOC communities, including:

• Discrimination, harassment, or humiliation
• Fear, shame, or inadequacy
• Immigration, acculturation, or lack of belonging
• Language barriers
• Microaggressions
• Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
• Racial trauma
• Self-esteem problems
• Stigma about mental health (e.g., seeing mental health issues as taboo or a sign of weakness)
• Systemic disparities and lack of access to culturally-competent providers, quality healthcare, and resources

If you are experiencing any of the above mental health issues or obstacles to achieving true healing, BIPOC therapy can help you.

What to Expect During a BIPOC Therapy Session?

Before starting BIPOC therapy, we will do an initial consultation to get to know each other.  We will discuss your concerns and hopes for treatment and explain our process.

If we believe we are a good fit, we will connect you with one of our BIPOC therapy specialists.  We will also propose one or more treatment modalities according to your needs and preferences.

During your first session, your therapist will collaborate with you to establish treatment objectives and walk you through their approach.  You can ask questions or jump right into what’s on your mind.

Each individual sessions are generally 45 minutes long and our couple therapy session an hour long, both scheduled in person or online.  The format is an open conversation, where you can share as much as you’d like at your own pace.  Your therapist will listen carefully and guide the interaction.  They will also use different evidence-based techniques aligned with their methods and your case (e.g., role-playing, journaling).

As therapy progresses, you will gain insight into yourself, your habits, and practical strategies to cope with hardship.  The frequency and amount of sessions can vary depending on your symptoms, modality, and treatment targets.

Tips for Staying Positive During Your Therapy Sessions

Change is hard.  While BIPOC therapy is an investment in your well-being, some days may be difficult to endure.  You may revisit hurtful memories, challenge deep-rooted beliefs, and face painful truths on your road to transformation.

Staying positive sounds easier said than done.  But here are a few things you can do to ease into the process of healing:

• Rely on your support system: Reach out to friends, family, or community for support, especially those going to therapy or facing a similar situation.  You can share your struggles and hold each other accountable.
• Practice gratitude: Whether through meditation, prayer, or journaling, find a way to appreciate what you are grateful for.  A good night’s sleep, laughing with your loved ones, or simply showing up to therapy are some of the things you can acknowledge to keep going.
• Prioritize self-care: Eat wholesome foods, stay hydrated, move your body, read, have fun, and rest.  Support your mind, body, and spirit with activities that make you feel good during this demanding time.

The Importance of Self-Care During and After Therapy

A significant part of BIPOC therapy (and most specialties) involves empowering you with mental health resources and suggesting self-care strategies for sustained wellness—to be applied during and after treatment.

For example, a yoga class, coloring, or a mindful walk can calm you down after a draining session.

Having self-care practices in your toolbox can also help you handle triggers on your own after treatment is complete.

For instance, if you experience anxiety symptoms, you can rely on a breathwork or grounding technique to gain relief.

Whatever self-care looks like for you, do what you can to nurture yourself and ask your therapist for further support if needed.

How to Find a Therapist Who Offers BIPOC Therapy?

Finding a counselor who offers BIPOC therapy can be daunting, mainly because of a shortage of diverse mental health professionals.  According to the American Psychological Association, roughly 16% of the US psychology workforce is non-white.

While therapists don’t have to be BIPOC to provide culturally-versed therapy, representation in the therapy room is crucial.  Getting support from someone with an ingrained grasp of your lived experiences, traditions, beliefs, and even language removes some of the emotional burden in the recovery process.

Tips for locating a BIPOC therapist who fits your needs:

• Do your research: Scour online directories, social media, and local groups.  Keep in mind therapists are licensed to provide in-person therapy to clients living in the state they are licensed to practice and may also be licensed to provide teletherapy throughout multiple states.
• Be as specific as you’d like: If you want to work with an Indigenous female therapist who understands racial trauma, include those keywords in your search.
• Check in with your network: Talk to family and friends as you deem appropriate to see if they have any BIPOC therapist recommendations.
• Vet your prospective therapist(s): Read their website, bio, directory profiles, social media platforms, and reviews.  Are they licensed and certified?  Do they have experience with your population and symptoms?  Do you align with their therapeutic approach?
• Chat with your preselected therapist(s) before committing: Once you find a promising therapist, book a consultation to confirm they are a good fit.  Most of these consults are free, virtual, and an excellent opportunity to see how the counselor interacts.

If you are seeking a BIPOC therapist, look no further.

At Madison Park Psychological Services, we have a stellar team of specialists who offer in-person BIPOC therapy in NYC (and online all across NY via telehealth).  This includes Asian, South Asian, Asian American, Black, and POC therapists with experience in many mental health services, conditions, and methods.

Our umbrella approach is holistic and adjusted to your unique identity.  We deliver treatment in English, French, Spanish, Grecque, Farsi, Korean, and Mandarin and aim to make therapy affordable for everyone.

Call 212-506-5935 or book a consultation to see if we are a suitable match for you.